A Horse Story

A stirring family drama revolving around the bond of a family with a unique horse, "A Horse Story" from 2016 is a wonderful children's movie that instills the priceless values of love, loyalty, courage, and friendship. With a star-studded cast, including Sarah Lieving, Aaron Johnson Araza, and Jesse Bell, the film delivers both heartwarming moments and life-affirming messages.

Sarah Lieving, famed for her roles in various other films, portrays the role of Monica Curtis who is the caring and loving mother of the protagonist, Samantha Curtis. Aaron Johnson Araza plays the ebullient character of Danny Curtis, her husband while Jesse Bell portrays the role of young Samantha Curtis who dreams of becoming a horse rider.

The movie begins with Samantha Curtis, a young, brave girl who possesses an innate passion for horse riding. Hailing from an ordinary family, she dreams of competing in the city’s most prestigious horse riding competition one day, which until then had been a privilege served to the affluent only. However, her journey is not decorated with roses. She faces challenges and obstacles, the most daunting being the lack of a horse that can compete in the city's elite horse riding competitions.

The story then takes an interesting turn when Kevin, a magical horse, appears out of nowhere during a family outing in the nearby woods. Samantha and her family are taken aback by the horse's unusual abilities to understand human feelings, fly, and disappear at will. Samantha forms an immediate connection and a special bond with this extraordinary horse, Kevin. She senses an uncanny understanding and unspoken communication with him that no one else shares. Samantha manages to convince her parents to let her keep Kevin and train with him for the city’s horse riding competition.

Sarah Lieving as Monica Curtis provides a strong backbone to the story, being the understanding and supportive mother. She believes in her daughter’s dreams and stands by her side in all decisions. Aaron Johnson Araza’s character Danny Curtis provides the comic relief in the film, yet he is also the cautious father who worries about his daughter’s safety, which adds an emotional layer to the story.

"A Horse Story" then unravels the bond that Samantha shares with Kevin, their training for the competition, and the challenges they face, from winning over the skeptical townsfolk to combating the ridicule of the affluent élan. The story also beautifully encapsulates the experimentation of Kevin’s magical abilities and their effect on making Samantha’s dream become a reality.

The film demonstrates the absolute potential of imagination, the significance of dreaming big, and the power of persistence — a story that’s universally resonant. The relationship between Samantha and Kevin is the heart of the film — a bond that transcends the usual human-pet relationship.

A significant part of the film is dedicated to raising awareness about the proper care and treatment of horses. Besides, "A Horse Story" also touches upon the aspect of vile competition practices, hinting at foul play, and cheating that is not uncommon in sports, even at the cost of risking an innocent animal's life.

"A Horse Story" stands out for its brilliant direction, enchanting a younger audience, but also resonating profoundly with an older one. The powerful performances of a talented cast, the engaging storyline, impressive visuals, and the incredible cinematography portraying beautiful landscapes and adrenaline-filled horse riding scenes, strengthens the movie’s persistent charm.

In conclusion, "A Horse Story" is an inspiring family drama filled with magical adventures. It beautifully delivers life lessons through a captivating story that will engage the hearts and minds of children and adults alike. The film celebrates the deep connection between humans and animals, reminding us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and unwavering faith.